Women’s Lacrosse Game Eight

Lady Monarchs suffer setback to Lancers 17-11, trying to get back to .500

One thing about the Old Dominion women’s lacrosse team (3-5) is that they are a pesky, tough, synergized team. With Ashmore Standing up front, Shelby Davis playing that stellar defense, and Emily Austiberry keeping the team composure, this team has all the makings of a tournament team.

Did I forget to say how young they are? Of the 26 players comprised to make this team, 15 of them are sophomores or younger. Almost a perfect mix between experience and talent, this team hasn’t had the season that they have hoped for so far, but continue to keep their eyes forward and stay focused for each game.

Longwood University’s Lady Lancers (6-2) stepped in to L.R. Hill Sports Complex and were on a mission from the beginning. The Monarchs were able to put up a valiant effort but to no avail as they fell to the Lancers on Wednesday evening. The effort was there throughout the match, as ODU outshot Longwood 31-24 and getting on the positive side of the groundball margin, 21-18. The Monarchs were only able to muster three saves. Longwood jumped out to a 3-0 favor before Jordynn Collins was able to score (unassisted) her fifth goal of the season. Part of the reason it took ODU so long to score was because of the physicality of the Lancers. In the first eight minutes, Longwood committed five fouls.

Sophomore midfielder Ashmore Standing continued her hot streak by pouring in five goals to lead the way for the Monarchs. Standing has 18 goals on the season. With the pace she is scoring at, she has a shot at making the top-10 season goals list. Also contributing to Standing’s goals were Emily Austiberry, Meredith Rogers and Shelby Davis as well as Courtney Clough and Rachel Shaw. The Lancers won the draw control battle, but not by much, 16-14. Christian Acker reeled in 11 saves, with four big ones coming in the second half. Acker was also able to scoop up five groundballs throughout the game. This game was the first home loss of the season for the Monarchs, who previously defeated William & Mary in a comeback effort and a close win against American University earlier in the month.

The Lancers got a career performance from Lauren Prasnicki, who tallied eight assists alongside three goals. Katie McHugh fired off five goals while Sarah Butler and Jamie Brentlinger combined for four goals and two assists. The Lancers were able to rally off eight of the games first nine goals and never looked back.

The Lady Monarchs take the field Saturday at 1 p.m. in Blacksburg to meet the Hokies in what will virtually be a must-win game if they want to keep their post-season hopes alive. Nine games remain on the schedule for the Heather Holt led Lady Monarchs with five of them being home games. The Monarchs are only one win away from matching their 2012 win total. For up to date Women’s Lacrosse news, follow ODU Lacrosse on Twitter at @ODULacrosse and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ODULacrosse.By: Mitchell Brown Jr